We all receive gifts at different times throughout the year. In fact, with Christmas approaching, many of us will get more gifts than we actually need. What if we paused and dreamed about how some of our gifts might be redirected to serve others? We don’t need to be ashamed about enjoying the gifts ourselves, but maybe there’s a greater joy for those who share in order to make others happy. Perhaps instead of our consuming every dollar of a gift card or voucher, we could double the blessing and treat someone else. When we open a new kitchen appliance, we could plan to make a meal for the neighbours or bake a dessert for co-workers. If we add clothes to our closet or upgrade our electronics, we could donate older ones to families who need them – or give them the new and keep the old ourselves.
Paul encouraged the Ephesians to work hard not simply so that they could provide for themselves, but so that they could share with anyone in need (Ephesians 4:28). God gives us wealth: cash, gift cards, books, toys – for the purpose of generosity, because richness flowing freely into poverty (of whatever kind) reveals His great love for us through Jesus. Such was heart of one person who took the initiative to share what someone had given them, with the children at our Victory Home.
As we share, others get to enjoy what God has given us. Their needs are met. They have what they might not have had otherwise. They are introduced to the loving generosity of the one, true, and living God through the sacrificial sharing of His people. They benefit, but we also get joy. It may seem sweet to get, get, get for Christmas, but the Bible promises it is more blessed — sweeter — to give than to receive (Acts 20:34-35). It’s how God’s world works. As we give what’s ours to serve others, we know and feel more of what Christ has given us in full forever.
The author of Hebrews writes, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16). Pleasing to God. When our stuff and our hope flow freely into the lives of others, God rejoices. He takes pleasure when we provide for others. He loves to lavish His children with things that allow them to love others in turn. Thank you so sharing your joy – for it continues multiply in the lives of these little ones!